Edgartown

The daffodils are looking pretty sad, all flopped over and dried out, but have no fear — the lilacs are here to take their place. Which can only mean one thing: Memorial Day is right around the corner. And I have some new white shoes that I’m dying to wear, so let’s move things along, already.

Felix Neck is getting into spring mode, kicking off their Moonrise Kayak sessions. Monday, May 16, at 7 pm and Tuesday, May 17, at 7:30 pm, see Sengekontacket Pond in a new light, moonlight, as we celebrate the full moon of May. With a guide, you will kayak on the pond as the moon rises and sparkles on the water. Equipment included. Call 508-627-4850 to reserve your space.

Also, mark your calendar for the Vineyard Wildlife Festival, Saturday, May 21, from 10 am to 2 pm, which will include activities, talks, and walks for the whole family. Get up close and personal with a raptor, search for salamanders in the woods, and more.

On May 13, Mass Audubon kicks off its 24-hour Bird-a-thon in which teams contend to spot the most species in the state. This fun annual event, for people of all abilities and ages, offers birders and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to participate in friendly competition while raising funds for Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries and programs. The 24-hour competition starts at 6 pm on Friday, May 13, and runs through 6 pm on Saturday, May 14. A family birding hour will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 14, at Felix Neck. To join a team, make a donation, see a list of prizes, or get more information, contact Felix Neck at 508-627-4850, or visit www.massaudubon.org/birdathon.

The Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 17, at 1 pm at the Wakeman Center located off Lambert’s Cove Road in Tisbury. The topic for this month’s program is Nature Deficit Disorder by guest speaker Philip Kyle. A hospitality hour with refreshments will follow the program. All persons interested in horticulture, home gardening, flower arranging, and preserving the best qualities of the Island environment are welcome. For information, call the Garden Club Hotline at 508-693-5334.

The Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living will hold its fifth cultural luncheon on Saturday, May 21, from 12 noon to 2 pm at The Grill on Main in Edgartown. The luncheon will honor The Whaling Wives of Martha’s Vineyard. The program speaker is Vineyard-born mystery writer, Cynthia Riggs, whose 10th book, “The Bee Balm Murders,” was released in April of this year. Cynthia’s great-grandmother, Mary Carline Cleaveland, sailed with her husband, Capt. James Cleaveland, on a five-year whaling voyage into the Pacific in the mid-19th century. Mary gave birth to two daughters during this voyage. Vineyarders will not want to miss this slice of Island history. For tickets, call MVC4L Director Leslie Clapp, 508-939-9440. Tickets can also be obtained through MVC4L board members: Diane Jetmund, Chuck Cotnoir, Barbara Harnen, Ellie Bates, Ginger Duarte, June Manning, Shirley Dewing, Olga Church, and Karen Achille. A musical interlude will be provided by musical director, organist, and composer Phil Dietterich and vocalist Martha Hudson.

The Martha’s Vineyard Museum invites you to join Vineyard World War II veterans Tom Hale, Ted Morgan, Nelson Smith, and others on Saturday, May 14, at 3 pm as they read excerpts from the latest Museum publication, “Those Who Serve: Martha’s Vineyard and WWII” and discuss the war. Books will be available for purchase, and the event will be followed by a book signing. For information, call 508-627-4441, ext. 113.

Happy birthday to Ezra Sherman, who celebrates May 18. Go buy yourself a Sweet E’s cupcake to eat in his honor. Birthday wishes also go out to Madison Gilbert, who will blow out eight candles on May 19. Have fun!